1997 Quinta do Noval Vintage Port

[Rune EG]

Purchased six bottles en primeur at Berry Bros, London, in 1999. Have not tasted any of 1997 Noval VP, neither my own bottles nor at tastings, so this was a first time for me.

Cork seemed to be tight, but slipped down 3-4 millimeter when I touched it with the Durand. Cork itself was in a very good condition. 10 hrs decanting. Started to open up after six hrs, and at its best (for now) from 8 hrs. Medium red colour. Appearance a bit unclear. Full, deep aroma of red berries, with a sweetish touch (raisins). Full body. Well structured. Very nice fruit. Elegant taste of wood, figs, and in total an explosion of impressions. Powerful. Medium to long aftertaste. 94 points.

[Roy Hersh]

Best bottles of this hard to find VP, (my last one was nearly a year ago w/ Rute at the quinta besides the 1997 Colheita and Nacional. The regular Noval held its own very well indeed. A great Port little talked about.